"CNTRL" by B.J. Sal is a riveting science fiction thriller that explores the intersection of technology, power, and humanity in a near-future world. Sal's gripping narrative and thought-provoking concepts create a compelling story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Set in a world where advanced artificial intelligence and augmented reality have become integrated into everyday life, "CNTRL" follows the protagonist, a skilled hacker named Ryn, as she uncovers a sinister conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of society. Sal's world-building is meticulously crafted, with detailed descriptions of futuristic technology and its impact on both individuals and society as a whole.

At its core, "CNTRL" is a story about identity, autonomy, and the consequences of unchecked power. As Ryn delves deeper into the mystery, she grapples with questions of morality and the nature of free will in a world where technology blurs the lines between reality and illusion. The pacing is relentless, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the final page.

Sal's characters are complex and multidimensional, each with their own motivations and flaws. Ryn is a compelling protagonist, her determination and resourcefulness driving the narrative forward with intensity and suspense. The supporting cast, including a diverse array of hackers, activists, and corporate magnates, adds depth and richness to the story, highlighting the diverse perspectives and conflicting interests at play.

"CNTRL" is a thought-provoking and exhilarating read that will appeal to fans of speculative fiction and cyberpunk. B.J. Sal has crafted a gripping tale that explores timely themes with intelligence and insight, offering a thrilling glimpse into a possible future where the line between humanity and technology is increasingly blurred.

This has sat unfortunately in my library for some time - apologies for such a late review.
I kept starting it and not getting very far. The descriptions used for world building felt jarring and at points confusing.

I just think this wasn't the right choice for me - I am sure others would find it more suitable.

Rated as a 3 for middle ground since I did not finish the book.

this was a great start to a series, it was fun to read and I really enjoyed the characters and hope there is more to the story.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for an advance reader copy of this book, Cntrl, in exchange for an honest review.

I thought that Cntrl was a really easy book to read, it flowed really well but the writing style felt quite juvenile and I didn't really enjoy the reading experience of this book. Intended to be a thriller, I didn't find myself thrilled at all and wouldn't be interested in continuing with this series.

The premise of this book was intriguing and I was very interested in reading it.
However, I gave up at 15%. I skimmed until 40%, but I wouldn't read more.
What made me stop was mostly the writing. There are adjectives that could have been replaced with a better earlier description, and there are many grammatical and spelling mistakes, which should have been caught.

I stopped reading after 25% of the book: too much meandering, too many words, not enough action. The novel is meant to be a thriller, but it lacks suspense. The plot, the idea is quite intriguing, but reality - I‘m sorry to say - is currently more exciting than this fiction. Alas, it is meant to be the other way round. I might give B J Sal another try later. Right now, however, this book is not for me.